The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) continues to make progress with our COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration efforts.

As of May 3, more than 5,642,156 doses of vaccine have been given across the state, which is nearly 81% of the 6,967,540 doses that have been delivered to our providers and federal partnership programs. More than 39% of people in Washington eligible for vaccination are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This information can be found on the DOH data dashboard under the vaccines tab, which is updated three times per week.

Get vaccinated today

More than half of all eligible Washingtonians ages 16 and older have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. DOH is proud of the incredible work happening across the state and thanks everyone who has rolled up their sleeve to get the lifesaving vaccine. In order to end the pandemic, it is important that as many people as possible get vaccinated. If you or a loved one has questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, reach out to your healthcare provider or visit our Frequently Asked Questions page where we share more information about the vaccines, including their safety and effectiveness.

These days making an appointment is easier than ever. To find vaccine near you, you can use the state’s Vaccine Locator website, text your zip code to GETVAX (438829) or VACUNA (822862) to receive addresses of nearby available vaccination sites, or you can call our new COVID-19 vaccination number 833-VAX-HELP. Language assistance is available.

By making an appointment today, you can ensure you are fully vaccinated before summer. Those who receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine now will be fully vaccinated before Memorial Day and those who receive a two-dose vaccine will be fully vaccinated by mid-June. Friends and family can then safely gather without wearing masks or distancing. Fully vaccinated people can also travel within the United States without taking a COVID test and they do not need to quarantine. For additional guidance visit our Life After Vaccine website.

Eligibility may soon expand to everyone 12 and older

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine could be authorized for kids as young as 12 as early as next week. The company applied to expand Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for its vaccine for teens and children ages 12 to 15 after a clinical trial showed the vaccine is safe and extremely effective for the age group. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently reviewing the data and would need to amend the EUA for the Pfizer vaccine, which is currently authorized for people 16 and older. Following the FDA’s decision, the Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices (ACIP) will schedule a meeting. The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup will also meet to review the findings and offer guidance.

Expanding vaccine eligibility to adolescents 12 to 15 will help us slow the spread of the virus, protect kids and teens in the classroom, at sporting events, during summer activities, and more.

Allocation update

Our three-week allocation forecast from the federal government shows Washington will receive nearly 400,000 doses of vaccine each week this month. The numbers are subject to change as vaccine availability may change.

Week of May 9: 396,260 total doses (204,580 first doses, 191,680 second doses)
- This includes 219,960 doses of Pfizer, 163,400 doses of Moderna, and 12,900 doses of Johnson & Johnson
Week of May 16: 396,260 total doses (204,580 first doses, 191,680 second doses)
- This includes 219,960 doses of Pfizer, 163,400 doses of Moderna, and 12,900 doses of Johnson & Johnson
Week of May 23: 396,260 total doses (204,580 first doses, 191,680 second doses)
- This includes 219,960 doses of Pfizer, 163,400 doses of Moderna, and 12,900 doses of Johnson & Johnson

The forecast is an estimate that helps with planning at the state and local level. Using DOH’s new need-based allocation strategy, we will work to ensure vaccine gets to people quickly and equitably across the state while also distributing extra doses to providers that continue to see a higher need for vaccine.

The above is a press release from the WA State Department of Health. The Auburn Examiner has not independently verified its contents and encourages our readers to personally verify any information they find may be overly biased or questionable. The publication of this press release does not indicate an endorsement of its content.